An Old Kilpatrick food bank got an extraordinary surprise on Sunday when they were asked to collect a £900 online food order which had been purchased on their behalf by a kind-hearted donor.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, paid for over 1000 food items for Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP).

Maureen Cummings, who runs the food bank, couldn’t believe it when she turned up at ASDA in Clydebank to find 40 crates full of food packed and ready to be transported by the charity.

She said: “I just burst into tears because I was totally and utterly overwhelmed that an individual would think of us and be so generous.”

It comes at a time when OKFP is experiencing an increase in demand for their services. Last month alone, the food bank provided emergency food parcels to nearly 400 families. At the same time, the number of donations is down on what they usually receive as an increasing number of people are struggling financially due to the pandemic and rise in the cost of living.

Maureen said: “We really appreciate the extra help. The last thing you want to do at a food bank is to say that we’ve ran out of food. But it was looking that way because for the first time in years we had empty crates on our shelves.”

OKFP welcomes anyone who is needing help with food, toiletries, cleaning products and baby items regardless of whether they are working or on benefits.

The organisation is happy to receive all donations – from single items to full shops.

Maureen explained: “We are supported by some incredible people – from those who can only afford one tin of soup or a packet of biscuits which they generously give to us, to those who provide full shops.”

If you would like to donate, you can get in touch with OKFP on: 07916310806